Our Practice Areas: Criminal Defense in Illinois

Criminal Defense

How Can Criminal Defense Lawyers Help?

Jail Cell Even people who know little about the law correctly assume that being arrested and charged with a crime is a serious matter. However, those inexperienced with legal matters may not fully comprehend the full consequences of being accused of such a crime. Depending on the severity of the offense(s), the penalties for a criminal conviction may include tens of thousands of dollars in fines and decades in prison, and these penalties may grow even larger depending upon certain aggravating factors. In addition, a conviction would then be placed upon your record and may follow you for the rest of your life, adversely affecting your chances for finding employment and receiving certain governmental services.

Because the legal process is difficult for laypersons to navigate on their own, it is critical for anyone charged with a crime to retain the services of a knowledgeable attorney, whether they are facing a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony. If you or a loved one requires a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney in Chicago, the lawyers at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC are ready to represent you.

Our law firm can provide legal assistance for a wide variety of criminal charges, including these that are listed below:

Theft Crimes

Theft crimes include burglary, petty theft, retail theft (also known as shoplifting), robbery, armed robbery, and grand theft auto. These are all different types of crimes that run the gamut from relatively minor to Class X felonies, and understanding the nuances and differences in their legal definition may help lower the severity of the potential penalties.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes are among the most serious charges anyone can face because their sentencing consequences are often extremely harsh. Convictions for sexual assault, sexual abuse, and rape can get you labeled for life as a sex offender, and penalties are generally even more severe if the case involves a minor. Solicitation and prostitution are other charges that can bring serious legal trouble to anyone accused of them.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes are among the most common in Chicago and the state of Illinois, and their severity depends on many factors including what kind or kinds of controlled substances were involved, the quantity of drug that the accused had on their person or property at the moment of their arrest, and what exactly they were doing or intended to do with the drug. There are major differences between the penalties for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with the intent of distribution, delivery of a controlled substance, and trafficking in a controlled substance. It would serve any citizen of Illinois well to understand the definitions of and differences between drug charges.

Illinois citizens should be advised that there are also special laws for methamphetamines and marijuana, including medical marijuana.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery have separate definitions under Illinois law. The latter is unlawful physical contact with another individual, whether it causes bodily harm or is only a touching of an offensive nature. Assault on the other hand, is anything that makes someone feel that they are in danger of being subjected to such unlawful physical contact. This means that assault can take the form of verbal and nonverbal threats of violence, and a criminal defense attorney can work to prove that their client did not have any intent to harm the victim or that the victim was not harmed or offended by the physical contact. An experienced attorney may also be able to successfully argue that the incident occurred out of self-defense.

In addition to these types of crimes, here is a list of other criminal charges for which we can provide legal assistance:

Having a skilled criminal defense attorney in Chicago arguing for your defense may mean the difference between a verdict of not guilty and a conviction that may potentially affect every present and future aspect of your life. The attorneys at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC understand the implications of these charges very well, and they will always fight aggressively for clients who enlist our services. If you or a loved one face criminal charges, do not hesitate any longer; call us today at (312) 644-0444 for a free consultation.

We serve Chicago and the surrounding areas, including:

Written by Mitchell S. Sexner Last Updated : December 1, 2023